Risk of Postpartum Depression During COVID-19 Outbreak and its Associated Risk Factors

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) and related factors following the COVID-19 outbreak among women in Istanbul, Turkey. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2020 to September 2021 in Istanbul Teaching and Research Hospital in Istanbul with 316 women at 4–6 weeks postpartum. We included women who spoke and understood Turkish and were ≥ 18 years of age. We collected the research data online, using an information form, the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale.Results: Among 316 women, the risk of PPD was 91 (28.8%). Women aged ≤34 had a low risk of developing PPD (aOR 0.36, 95% CI 0.18 – 0.70). PPD was 5 times significantly higher among women with low-income level (aOR 4.94, 95% CI 2.32 – 10.51). PPD was 9 times significantly higher among women who had COVID-19 infection (aOR 8.65, 95% CI 4.48 – 16.68) and 2.3 times significantly higher among women who had fear of catching the COVID-19 virus at the hospital (aOR 2.34, 95% CI 1.23 – 4.44), and 5 times significantly higher among women with low levels of coronavirus anxiety (aOR 5.01, 95% CI 2.60 – 9.65).Conclusion: A significant proportion of women have experienced PPD during the COVID-19 pandemic. The higher risk factors for PPD were being older than 34 years, low-income level, infected with COVID-19, fear catching the COVID-19, and having a low level of coronavirus anxiety women.